Voted for by the players themselves, the title is essentially the highest form of recognition a player can earn from his fellow pros.

Gareth Bale won the award last year, as well as the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year, and aside from Steven Gerrard, the six nominated for the 2013-14 title will all be seeking to win their first such accolade.

Liverpool trio Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Premier League top scorer Luis Suarez lead the way, much like their side who sit top of the pile with a month of the season to go, while Chelsea star Eden Hazard, Manchester City powerhouse Yaya Toure and Southampton's young England hopeful Adam Lallana make up the list.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)